Preparations underway at Manik Mia Avenue for Khaleda Zia’s funeral

All necessary arrangements are being made by the security forces and relevant state authorities to allow the public to participate in the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, officials said Tuesday night.

According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, the funeral will be held at Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday, after Zuhr prayers, around 2:00 pm. The coffin will be placed at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue instead of the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

The ceremony will take place both inside the National Parliament grounds and across Manik Mia Avenue, with measures in place to ensure that people can participate safely. Roads surrounding the avenue will also be managed to allow public access.

After the funeral, around 3:30 pm, Begum Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest with state honours beside the late President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats, and BNP-nominated politicians are expected to attend. Access will be restricted to designated personnel during the burial, and public movement in Zia Udyan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, will be limited until the completion of the burial rites.

A total of 27 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across key locations in the capital to maintain strict security during the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

BGB Public Relations Officer Md. Shariful Islam said personnel are stationed at Evercare Hospital, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, and Zia Udyan, focusing on ensuring the funeral and burial proceed smoothly and securely.